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<font face="Verdana">Below is a letter published in the StarTribune.
The birding community might be interested in providing their
feedback to the Met Council as well.<br>
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Turtles Aren’t Safe Yet<br>
<br>
Blanding’s turtles a nice story, but residents must stay vigilant<br>
<br>
Finding baby Blanding’s turtles within Lebanon Hills Regional Park
is indeed something to celebrate (“Naturalists thrilled at
discovery of rare turtles,” Aug. 30) These threatened reptiles
gravitate toward prairies that are near wetlands — a habitat
combination that is widespread in the park. One should conclude
they have a safe place to call home. They don’t. Their habitat is
where a controversial asphalt trail designed as a bike
thoroughfare is planned; and where event space was proposed; and
where, until recently, the natural resources were neglected and
allowed to degrade for decades.<br>
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We are fortunate that in 1974 the state Legislature, noting the
significant loss of wildlife habitat all around the metro,
established the Regional Parks System to preserve and protect
these most valuable remaining large open spaces. Regional parks
complement amenities available in city parks by providing a wide
range of nature-based opportunities. These are the “state parks”
of the metro area, and we have a responsibility to manage them to
their full potential. Stories like baby Blanding’s sightings
should be the norm, not the exception. The best way for wildlife
to thrive is by minimizing human impact on their habitat.<br>
<br>
Regional parks are guided by the Met Council’s Regional Parks
Policy Plan, which is currently being updated. Proposed changes
will expand new construction of costly infrastructure and include
plans for more asphalt (along with their chemical treatments)
throughout these nature-based parks. Let the Met Council know that
the priority for our regional parks should be natural resource
restoration and programming to support a natural,
wildlife-friendly setting. Public comments are encouraged to
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:public.info@metc.state.mn.us">public.info@metc.state.mn.us</a> through Sept. 27.<br>
<br>
HOLLY EINESS, Minneapolis<br>
* Write to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at 390 Robert
St. N., St. Paul, MN 55101<br>
* Email to Metropolitan Council: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:public.info@metc.state.mn.us">public.info@metc.state.mn.us</a><br>
* Leave a message at 651.602.1500 (TTY 651.291.0904)<br>
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